Nile Saray Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with 16 m² cabins, 30 m² junior suites, an 18 m² pool, and buffet dining.
The short answer
Nile Saray is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan for 3 nights to Luxor (on a Wednesday) or a 7-night round trip (on a Saturday), or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $1,088 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
The Nile Saray is a 5-star Nile cruise ship with 57 cabins, a sun deck with a pool and 90 loungers, and a buffet restaurant that seats 110. It has been in service since 1990 and was fully renovated in 2009. Days follow the shore-excursion programme to temples such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings; evenings bring live music, belly dancing or a Nubian show.
We book the cruise and arrange your sightseeing. The ship itself is run by its own cruise company. Drinks are not included, even with meals.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and prices
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the whole cruise, the guided sightseeing program along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the ship and the local airport or train station.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,088double cabinsingle cabin $1,429 | May – September: from $990double cabinsingle cabin $1,263 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,353double cabinsingle cabin $1,808 | May – September: from $1,223double cabinsingle cabin $1,587 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $2,095double cabinsingle cabin $2,891 | May – September: from $1,868double cabinsingle cabin $2,505 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $2,115double cabinsingle cabin $2,911 | May – September: from $1,887double cabinsingle cabin $2,524 |
Choose your cruise and date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
- New
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Board your Nile cruiser at Aswan and enjoy lunch on board. Visit the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Sail north to Kom Ombo for its double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. Sail on towards Luxor.
- 3
Reach Luxor and cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 4
After breakfast visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then disembark for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board at Luxor and enjoy lunch on board before visiting Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, then begin sailing south towards Edfu.
- 3
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple at Kom Ombo, then sail on to Aswan.
- 4
Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. An optional flight or drive to Abu Simbel can be arranged.
- 5
A relaxed day at Aswan: sail by felucca around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island, or visit a Nubian village, before the vessel turns north.
- 6
- 7
Arrive back at Luxor with time for any West Bank sites not yet seen, or relax on the sun deck as you moor for the final night.
- 8
After breakfast, disembark at Luxor for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board your Nile cruiser at Luxor and settle into your cabin over lunch. In the afternoon visit Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt, and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. The vessel then begins sailing south towards Edfu.
- 3
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, then sail on to Kom Ombo and its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Aswan, where the ship moors for the night.
- 4
The ship lies moored at Aswan. Guests visiting Abu Simbel leave before dawn, by road or by air, for the two rock temples Ramesses II cut into the cliff, returning aboard around midday. The afternoon is at leisure on board.
- 5
After breakfast, disembark at Aswan. The morning then covers Aswan itself: the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae reached by motor launch, and the granite Unfinished Obelisk, before your onward transfer.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 57
What lingers
- 01Choose between 16 m² Standard Cabins and 30 m² Junior Suites.
- 02Relax on the sun deck beside an 18 m² pool, with 90 loungers.
- 03Dine at the 110-seat international restaurant, which serves buffet meals.
- 04Use the onboard gym at no charge; massage is available on request for an extra charge.
- 05Selected guided shore excursions include sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.
- 06Evening entertainment may include live music, a galabeya party, belly dancing, and Nubian shows.
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Spa
- Gym
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Cabin accommodation aboard M/S Nile Saray
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Selected guided shore excursions included in the cruise program
- Use of the sun deck, pool, and gym
- Evening entertainment onboard
- Standard entrance fees for included shore excursions
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and crew
- Premium or optional entrance tickets
- Transfers unless booked
- Mini-fridge charges, bar drinks, massage, and laundry service
Add before or after your cruise
The ship sails between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights home, are in Cairo. These short add-ons join the two.
After you dock
Aswan to Cairo flight and one hotel night
Two nights in Cairo with a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Tour
3-Day Luxor Tour from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Tour from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Tour from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Tour with Alexandria
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can ask us to confirm the cabin category before travel. Transfers can be booked separately, while premium or optional site tickets, massage and other onboard extras may be added at extra cost where available. Ask about private sightseeing arrangements or additional visits when planning the trip.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors and history enthusiasts who want to combine river travel with guided visits to major temples and archaeological sites. It is best for travelers comfortable boarding a vessel and walking around large historic sites, where uneven ground, steps and exposure to heat are common.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines river travel between Luxor and Aswan with selected guided shore excursions. It includes full-board meals and standard entrance fees for included excursions, but drinks, transfers unless booked, gratuities and optional premium tickets are extra.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest prices. Prices are per person, sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,088 per person
- Royal Amira Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,088 per person
- Tower Prestige Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,068 per person
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Selected guided shore excursions · Standard entrance fees for included excursions · Use of sun deck, pool and gym · Evening entertainment
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families able to manage historic-site walking
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and any required Egypt visa
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
- Hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Small day bag for shore excursions
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for heat
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient stone
- A hat and sun-protective clothing
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- A light layer for air-conditioned indoor spaces
Children & families
Children ages 0 to 5.99 travel free; ages 6 to 11.99 pay 50% of the adult price; ages 12 and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers may be difficult to use on gangways, between decks, and on uneven paths at ancient sites. Ask us to confirm cabin arrangements and whether a high chair is available on board.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel has an onboard sun deck, pool, dining room, cabins, and gym, but wheelchair access and step-free routes are not confirmed. Boarding may involve steps or a gangway, and access between decks may require stairs. Shore excursions can include uneven stone surfaces, steps, and exposed paths at sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. These conditions may make some visits difficult for travelers with limited mobility. Contact us before booking with your mobility needs so we can check boarding arrangements and excursion options for your dates.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise company, while we arrange the cruise and sightseeing with local suppliers. Shore excursions use local Egyptologists and transportation providers, but vehicle types, fuel use, and supplier environmental practices vary and are not confirmed for each booking. The vessel's buffet restaurant and onboard facilities are part of the cruise service; we cannot verify its waste, water, or energy practices. Booking local guiding and transport keeps these services with providers working in Egypt, though we do not claim a measured community or environmental benefit. Ask us about the suppliers we use for your trip.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is included on the Nile Saray Nile Cruise?
The cruise includes cabin accommodation, full board, selected guided shore excursions, standard entrance fees for those excursions, and use of the sun deck, pool, and gym. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Evening entertainment is also included. The cruise company operates the vessel; Discovery Tours Egypt arranges bookings and on-the-ground sightseeing.02Are transfers included for the Nile Saray Nile Cruise?
Transfers are not included unless they are booked separately. Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange transfers as part of your travel plans. Confirm the arrangements for your booking before travel, including where and when you should meet your driver. International and domestic flights are also excluded.03What is not included on the Nile Saray Nile Cruise?
Drinks are not included, even with meals. Flights, gratuities for local guides, drivers, and crew, and premium or optional entrance tickets are also excluded. Charges for the mini-fridge, bar drinks, massage, and laundry are extra. Standard entrance fees for the included shore excursions are covered.04Can children stay on the Nile Saray Nile Cruise?
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Ask us to confirm the applicable booking details for your family.05Is the Nile Saray Nile Cruise accessible for travelers with mobility limitations?
Accessibility depends on the traveler’s mobility and the vessel’s layout, which includes cabins, dining areas, a sun deck, and shore excursions at historic sites. Ancient temples and tombs can involve uneven stone, steps, and limited accessible paths. Contact us before booking to discuss your needs and confirm what can be arranged for your selected excursions.06What should I wear and bring on the Nile Saray Nile Cruise?
Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and lightweight clothing for warm days. A light layer can help in air-conditioned indoor spaces and cooler evenings. Wear modest clothing for religious sites, including covered shoulders and knees at temples and mosques. Bring any personal medication you may need during the trip.07Can I take photos during Nile Saray shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and exhibit, so check posted notices and ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures inside temples or tombs. Some areas prohibit photography or require a separate ticket, particularly inside tombs. Do not photograph people without permission, and follow staff instructions wherever photography is restricted.08When is the best time to take the Nile Saray Nile Cruise?
The cooler months are generally more comfortable for visiting Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, while summer brings higher daytime temperatures and stronger sun. Shore excursions may involve outdoor walking with limited shade. During Ramadan, opening hours at some sites may change, so confirm the excursion schedule for your travel dates.09Which sites are visited on the Nile Saray Nile Cruise?
The shore-excursion program includes selected visits to sites such as Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, and the broader route can include Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. The exact excursions depend on the cruise arrangement. Premium or optional entrance tickets, including some tomb interiors, are not included.10How are cabin prices calculated, and is there a single supplement?
Cabin prices are quoted per person sharing a double cabin. A traveler booking a cabin alone pays the single-cabin rate, which the booking page shows.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-503687
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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